Toronto Maple Leafs Left in the Dust as Another Team Claims Title of Canada's Most Popular Franchise
The Toronto Maple Leafs may have the NHL's biggest market, but in Canada, they aren't the most popular team in the league.
In Canada, hockey remains a passion that is unmatched around the world, and even with the Stanley Cup drought growing after the Oilers Stanley Cup Finals loss a season ago, that will likely never change. With 7 teams in the league in Canada, there's plenty for the fans to support, but the question is often raised, who is the most important or beloved team in Canada?
Now, that question has been answered for this season, and while the Maple Leafs may own the biggest market, they aren't coming in at No. 1, with their rival Montreal Canadiens taking the crown for the second year in a row.
The poll was once again conducted by 338 Canada, and while it may be a small margin, the Canadiens come in with 23% of the vote while the Maple Leafs fall behind with 20% of the vote. Given the respective history of these two franchises, it's no surprise that they far outweigh the popularity of the other five teams, with the Ottawa Senators coming in last with just 5% of the vote.
In between them we have the Oilers (13%), the Canucks (9%) and the Flames and Jets both tied at 7%, and while these may seem like small numbers, every franchise in Canada has immense support for the countries biggest sport. Thankfully for Toronto and their fans, the popular vote doesn't decide who wins the Stanley Cup, and after some big off-season additions, they could be in line for a deep playoff run, while their rival Canadiens are likely set to fall just short again as their lengthy rebuild continues.
